New setting allows student to focus

<p>Large classes at Center Grove High School made learning a challenge for one student.</p>
<p>For Sophie Gutierrez, her anxiety made it more difficult for her to focus with so many students around her, she said.</p>
<p>Then, she began taking classes at the Center Grove Alternative Academy at the start of this semester. The new environment, with smaller class sizes and one-on-one time with teachers, made it easier to finish her remaining classes and graduate on time, she said.</p>
<p>“It was a chill environment, being able to work at my own pace,” she said.</p>
<p>Gutierrez had six classes that she had to make up from previous semesters. The academy helped her track progress on those courses so that she was able to get them complete in addition to her regular work, which included visual design courses at the Central Nine Career Center.</p>
<p>As far back as she can remember, Gutierrez said she has always enjoyed beauty and design.</p>
<p>“Ever since I was little I always loved to dress up, play with my sister’s hair,” she said.</p>
<p>Now, she’s the person her friends turn to when they need help getting ready for events such as prom, Gutierrez said.</p>
<p>She’s enjoyed what she’s learned in her visual communications courses, but now she plans to study to become an esthetician after graduation.</p>
<p>Her goal is to enroll in a year-long cosmetology program at an Aveda Institute, and then work in one of the organization’s beauty salons after an additional six-month esthesiology course.</p>[sc:pullout-title pullout-title="The Gutierrez file" ][sc:pullout-text-begin]<p>Name: Sophie Gutierrez</p>
<p>Age: 18</p>
<p>Parents: Greg and Lisa Guetierrez</p>
<p>School: Center Grove Alternative Academy</p>
<p>College plans: Attend Aveda Institutes to study esthiology</p>
<p>Career goals: Become an esthetician</p>[sc:pullout-text-end]